Germany plans major funding increase for production incentive programmes

The German production community is welcoming plans for a significant increase in the country’s production incentive programme.

The German government has allocated that funds for the German Federal Film Fund (DFFF I and II) and the German Film Fund (GMPF) have increased by almost 100% since 2026.

Funding for the two production incentive schemes will increase from 133 million euros per year for three years from next year to 2027 to 2029.

The increase in funding was set forth in the German government’s 2026 budget proposal. Passed by Prime Minister Friedrich Merz, the Minister of Finance, was announced by German Finance Minister Lars Klingbail, and agreed with Minister of Culture and Media Wolfram Weimer.

Klingvale said: “There is a great film scene in Germany. We want to be the top location for internationally successful film and series productions. That’s why we are boosting film production in Germany. With a large amount of film funding combined with producer incentives for media service providers, film funding is very well invested in German culture.”

The industry alliance of the German Film Academy, the German Producers Alliance, the Documentary Filmmakers Association Ag Dok, and the German Independent Producers Association Prodicers have come together by welcoming the government’s decision.

In his position as chairman of the German Film Academy, Berlin-based producer of Flare Films, Martin Heissler said the steps taken by the new Union government just 100 days later “gives a strong signal to the industry.”

“The fact that additional funds will flow from January 2026 and remain set aside until 2029 creates urgently needed planning security, a critical boost to Germany’s film hub,” he explained. “It highlights the cultural and economic importance of our industry and creates reliable conditions for staying competitive internationally at a high level. This is good news for producers and filmmakers in all fields.”

In February, rebates for the DFFF or GMPF scheme increased from 25% to 30% of the approved German production costs.

Recent projects supported by the DFFF I and DFFF II schemes include Helena Hufnagel’s Agnes & AmirSophie Heldman Miss Pilly and Miss WoodsDavid Tussy’s Riddick 4: Furya And Wes Anderson’s Phoenician Schemeseason 5 Babylon Berlin and 10% of Disney+ – Please call my agent It was one of the series supported by GMPF.